resolve

The definition of resolve is to solve, or settle something, or to make a commitment to do something.

(verb)

When you have a problem involving a leaky faucet and you fix the faucet, this is an example of when you resolve your problem.
When you settle an old argument you have been having, this is an example of when you resolve the argument.
When you vow to exercise more, this is an example of when you resolve to exercise more.

See resolve in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb resolved, resolving

to break up into separate, constituent elements or parts; analyze
to change or transform: used reflexively: a discussion that resolved itself into an argument
to cause (a person) to decide: the flood that resolved him to sell
to reach as a decision or intention; determine: to resolve to go
1. to find the solution or an answer to (a problem); solve
2. to make a decision about: to resolve the points at issue
3. to explain or make clear; show the resolution of (a problem, a fictional plot, etc.)
4. to remove or dispel (doubt, etc.)
to decide by vote; make a formal decision about; express by resolution, as an assembly does
Obsolete to cause to dissolve or melt
Chem. to separate (an optically inactive compound or mixture) into its optically active components
Med. to cause (a swelling, fever, etc.) to subside or disappear
Music to cause (a chord or tone) to undergo resolution
Physics to make distinguishable the individual parts of (an image, radar echo, etc.)

Origin: ME resolven < L resolvere: see re- & solve

intransitive verb

noun

Related Forms:

See resolve in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb re·solved, re·solv·ing, re·solves

verb, transitive

To make a firm decision about.
To cause (a person) to reach a decision. See Synonyms at decide.
To decide or express by formal vote.
To change or convert: My resentment resolved itself into resignation.
To find a solution to; solve. See Synonyms at solve.
To remove or dispel (doubts).
To bring to a usually successful conclusion: resolve a conflict.
Medicine To cause reduction of (an inflammation, for example).
Music To cause (a tone or chord) to progress from dissonance to consonance.
Chemistry To separate (an optically inactive compound or mixture) into its optically active constituents.
To render parts of (an image) visible and distinct.
Mathematics To separate (a vector, for example) into coordinate components.
To melt or dissolve (something).
Archaic To separate (something) into constituent parts.